CPR on a child is essential in emergencies because it can help restore breathing, circulation, and consciousness. A "child" refers to anyone from 1 year old to the onset of puberty (breast development in girls, underarm hair in boys). When a child stops breathing, their oxygen supply is cut off, and their brain is deprived of oxygen. CPR can help restore oxygen flow to the brain, preventing further damage and potentially saving the child’s life. It can also help to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and increase the chances of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The quicker CPR is administered, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

Read the infographic below and learn the steps while giving a child CPR. Then you can test your knowledge, by taking our free CPR practice test.

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Rapid Response to Pediatric Emergencies: 7 Steps in Child CPR

1. Check for consciousness

The first step in child CPR is making sure to check if the victim is responsive by gently tapping or shaking the child and calling out to assess their responsiveness. If they can respond verbally or audibly, do not begin CPR.

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2. Call 911

If the child is not responsive, call 911 immediately. If you don’t have a phone, give about 2 minutes (five cycles) of CPR before leaving to call for help and get an AED. The CPR procedure should start immediately, as every minute counts. Quick cardiac recovery techniques is the only way you can help the child survive, and a few minutes delays can worsen the situation. If anyone else is around, you should ask them to call for emergency medical services and bring the AED machine if available.

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3. Start CPR Immediately

Gently lay the child on a firm, flat surface. While lying on their back, gently tilt the child’s head slightly past neutral (not as far back as an adult). Listen for any signs of breathing or occasional gasps of air for not more than 10 seconds. 

• If the child has a pulse (≥ 60 beats per minute) but is not breathing normally, give 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds (about 20–30 breaths per minute). Recheck pulse and breathing about every 2 minutes.
• If the child doesn't have a pulse and not breathing, begin CPR starting with 30 chest compressions, followed by two rescue breaths.

Use the head-tilt/chin-lift unless you suspect neck injury—then use a jaw-thrust.

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4. Chest Compression

• Kneel beside the child. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, right between the nipples.
• Place the other hand on top of the first, and interlock you r fingers.
• Press hard and fast on the chest at 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Single rescuer: 30 compressions, 2 breaths, Two rescuers: 15 compressions, 2 breaths

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5. Rescue Breathing

• Open the airway by putting one hand on the child's forehead and two fingers on the chin. Tilt the head back to a neutral position.
• Gently pinch the child's nose and cover the mouth with your own.
• In this position, breathe into the child's mouth twice.

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6. Repeat

Keep giving 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until you see obvious signs of life, such as breathing or chest movement, specialized help arrives, the AED is available and ready for use, or you are too exhausted to keep going.

When the child starts breathing, put him in a recovery position and recheck the pulse and breathing while waiting for the emergency services team.

7. Use AED if available

The AED is a device used to restore the heart's rhythm in cases of ventricular fibrillation. The device has software that detects the heart's rhythm and indicates if an electrical shock could restore a regular heartbeat. If the heart is in a state of ventricular fibrillation, the device delivers a shock that restores it to its normal state.

• Turn on the AED as soon as it arrives and follow its voice prompts.
• Use pediatric pads or child setting if available (for ages 1 year to puberty).
• If only adult pads are available, use them. Just make sure they don’t touch each other (antero-posterior).
• Place one pad on the center of the chest and the other on the back between the shoulder blades if space is limited.

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In children, cardiac arrest is usually caused by breathing problems or severe trauma, not by heart attacks. Ventricular fibrillation can occur, but myocardial infarction is rare in pediatrics.

Explore guidelines on administering CPR to infants (0-1 year old).

This information follows the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and Red Cross Pediatric CPR recommendations (reviewed 2025).

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Enrolling in an online CPR first aid AED certification course is a proactive step towards being prepared to handle emergencies effectively. These life-saving skills are invaluable, and by taking action to learn them, you can make a difference in the event of a medical crisis. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a parent, or simply a concerned citizen, investing the time to become certified in CPR, first aid, and AED usage equips you to respond confidently and potentially save lives. Don't wait until it's too late – enroll in an online certification course today and empower yourself to make a positive impact in emergency situations.